Obama slams IRS for targeting groups

‘OUTRAGEOUS’:The US president said the tax agency’s singling out of conservative groups was a serious issue, but called the probe into the Benghazi attacks a ‘sideshow’

Reuters, WASHINGTON

“We must take appropriate action, without any delay or hesitation, to ensure that the IRS remains an impartial agency for America’s taxpayers and our nation’s families and businesses,” House Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said.

Obama added that the US Office of the Inspector General was investigating the controversy, which focuses on the IRS’ office in Cincinnati, Ohio.

That office was tasked with examining whether non-profit advocacy groups that claimed to qualify for tax-exempt status were granted it.

To qualify for tax-exempt status, groups must limit their activity to advocating for issues or causes, and avoid endorsing political candidates.